Hazrat Fatima Zahra (PBUH), the daughter of the noble Messenger of Allah is one of the chosen women and the Leader of the women of the Universe.

The verse of nearest kinship, from the Quran, says:

“Say: `No reward do I ask of you for this except the love of those near of kin. ‘And if anyone earns any good, We shall give him an increase of good in respect thereof for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (service).” (1)

This verse is a clear command from Allah to His noble Prophet. It is as follows: (Say) O Muhammad, to your nation: (no reward do I ask of you for this) the message of Islam (except the love of those near of kin) to me. (i.e.) Ahlul-Bayt (A). It is unanimously agreed upon that the kin mentioned in this verse are Ahlul-Bayt (A).

There are many traditions narrated by both Shiite and Sunni Scholars, which not only specify the kin mentioned in this verse but also state their names. Among the narrations mentioned in this regard by Sunni scholars, are the following: When this verse was revealed, someone said: “Messenger of Allah, who are the kin whose love is obligatory for us?” The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) replied: “Ali, Fatima, and her two children.” This narration has been reported by the following Sunni scholars:

1. Ibn Hajar in his al-Sawa’iq al-Muhriqah.

2. al-Thaalabi.

3. Al-Suyuti in al-Durr al-Manthur.

4. Abu Nu’aym in Hilyat al-‘awliya

5. al-Hamawayni al-Shafi’i in Fara’id al-Samtayn

Another narration similar to the one stated above is reported by Tabari and Ibn Hajar; according to this narration the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a) is reported to have said: “Surely Allah made it incumbent on you to love my kin, and I will ask you about them in the hereafter.” Moreover, the following narrations mentioned on the account of Ahlul-Bayt are a few of the many sayings of the Imams (A) in which they recite this verse as proof of the fact that loving them is a religious duty.